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N.Y.C. Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Fatally Stabbing His Sister in Front of Their Mother

Rodney Johnson, 29, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years for the July 19, 2023 stabbing death of his 20-year-old sister, Shayla, in their East Harlem apartment.

Prosecutors say the attack began in a bathroom and continued into a bedroom in front of their mother; police arrested Rodney minutes later and recovered a bloody knife.

The Manhattan District Attorney described the incident as a horrific and traumatic tragedy for the family.

03:19 PM, 11/29/2025Society
N.Y.C. Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Fatally Stabbing His Sister in Front of Their Mother

A New York City man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of his 20-year-old sister.

On the morning of July 19, 2023, 29-year-old Rodney Johnson followed his sister, Shayla Johnson, into the bathroom of their East Harlem apartment and repeatedly stabbed her as she prepared to shower, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Shayla ran to her bedroom and called for their mother; prosecutors say Rodney pursued her, wrestled her to the floor and continued the assault while their mother attempted to intervene and called 911.

First responders found Shayla with multiple stab wounds to her chest, neck, face, head, hands and back. She was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead. Police recovered a bloody knife at the scene, and officers arrested Rodney minutes later outside the building.

Prosecutors told the court the siblings had an ongoing conflict related to Rodney’s alleged prior acts of violence. On Oct. 31, following a guilty plea to second-degree murder, Rodney Johnson was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr.: "No family should ever have to experience this type of horrific and traumatic conduct. I sincerely hope that Shayla Johnson’s family and loved ones can heal and recover from this devastating tragedy."

This sentencing brings a legal resolution to a violent incident that left a family grieving and a community seeking answers.

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